Sash windows are the familiar ones that consist of one or move panels of glass panes separated by narrow strips of wood. This type of window has been used since Georgian times in England and all of the regions of the world influenced by its empirical expansion.
Although the origin of this style is not completely established (by a registered patent, for instance), the creator is generally held to be an English scientist and inventor, Robert Hooke. He was instrumental in rebuilding London after its Great Fire of 1666, being named official surveyor and designing many of the principal buildings built in the 70s. Hooke used his knowledge of clock making and studies in gravity to create his innovative design, one which has never gone out of fashion.
The window, which consists of one or more movable panels set with panes to let in light and with a sash which can be raised and lowered for ventilation, was used more often than any other in Georgian and Victorian architecture. Thus it became a part of the heritage of many. Remember that the father 'threw up the sash' and looked out on St. Nick and his tiny reindeer.
Think of the cat burglars who scale tall buildings and open a window high above the ground to steal the royal jewels, or how Spiderman comes and goes. Think about getting inside yourself when you have misplaced your key. A sash comes in might handy then. It is also useful for eavesdropping, when secrets are being told inside.
How about pies left to cool on a window sill, a traditional lure for hungry boys or vagrants passing by? How many best friends or lovers have tossed pebbles at the window to encourage someone to come out for adventure or romance? How many college boys have serenaded their lady through an open window of a sorority house?
Of course, reality is that it is easy to keep intruders out and that not every young lady is susceptible to visits after hours. However, romance is also served when lacy curtains flutter in the breeze coming through a half-open window or a graceful bird swoops in and out again. The sound of children playing or birds singing can come sweetly through an open window and is an important part of summertime memories.
Sash windows are still fashionable and eminently practical after all these years. It is hard to think about a day when children won't be drawing houses with tic-tac-toe windows and a lolly pop tree in the yard. Changes in the design may have made cleaning easier and security better, but the essentials are still with us after three centuries.
Although the origin of this style is not completely established (by a registered patent, for instance), the creator is generally held to be an English scientist and inventor, Robert Hooke. He was instrumental in rebuilding London after its Great Fire of 1666, being named official surveyor and designing many of the principal buildings built in the 70s. Hooke used his knowledge of clock making and studies in gravity to create his innovative design, one which has never gone out of fashion.
The window, which consists of one or more movable panels set with panes to let in light and with a sash which can be raised and lowered for ventilation, was used more often than any other in Georgian and Victorian architecture. Thus it became a part of the heritage of many. Remember that the father 'threw up the sash' and looked out on St. Nick and his tiny reindeer.
Think of the cat burglars who scale tall buildings and open a window high above the ground to steal the royal jewels, or how Spiderman comes and goes. Think about getting inside yourself when you have misplaced your key. A sash comes in might handy then. It is also useful for eavesdropping, when secrets are being told inside.
How about pies left to cool on a window sill, a traditional lure for hungry boys or vagrants passing by? How many best friends or lovers have tossed pebbles at the window to encourage someone to come out for adventure or romance? How many college boys have serenaded their lady through an open window of a sorority house?
Of course, reality is that it is easy to keep intruders out and that not every young lady is susceptible to visits after hours. However, romance is also served when lacy curtains flutter in the breeze coming through a half-open window or a graceful bird swoops in and out again. The sound of children playing or birds singing can come sweetly through an open window and is an important part of summertime memories.
Sash windows are still fashionable and eminently practical after all these years. It is hard to think about a day when children won't be drawing houses with tic-tac-toe windows and a lolly pop tree in the yard. Changes in the design may have made cleaning easier and security better, but the essentials are still with us after three centuries.
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Get inside information on the cultural value of sash windows now in our guide to sash window refurbishment and everything you need to know about sash window refurbishment London .
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